Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, pillowy-soft pretzel dusted in sparkling cinnamon sweetness—that’s exactly what you get with these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels. A little chewy, a little tender in the center, and joyfully coated with just the right amount of cinnamon sugar, this recipe turns your kitchen into a cozy bakery in no time. Whether you’re baking for a family movie night, a fun party snack, or just to treat yourself (because you absolutely deserve it!), these homemade pretzels are downright magical.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something so satisfying about transforming basic pantry staples into a batch of fresh, bakery-style Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels. Every ingredient here plays its own delicious part, from creating that signature texture to locking in the perfect blend of flavors. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters.
- Warm water (1 1/2 cups, 110°F): The foundation for activating your yeast and building that light, airy dough.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet, 2 1/4 teaspoons): This humble packet works its magic, creating beautiful rise and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon for dough, 1/2 cup for coating): A small boost for yeast and the secret to a crave-worthy sweet crust.
- All-purpose flour (4 cups): The reliable backbone of your pretzels, providing structure and chew.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and heightens every flavor note.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons for dough, 4 tablespoons melted for brushing): Adds irresistible richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick like a dream.
- Baking soda (2/3 cup): Creates that classic pretzel texture and color during the quick bake-ready bath.
- Water (9 cups for boiling): Essential for the baking soda bath, giving pretzels their unique bite and gloss.
- Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The star of the show, bringing warmth and fragrant spice to every delicious bite.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining your warm water, packet of active dry yeast, and 1 tablespoon of sugar in a large mixing bowl. Give it a gentle swirl and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the surface is foamy and smells like freshly baked bread—this is when the yeast is alive and ready to work its wonders. A good, frothy start means soft pretzels incoming!
Step 2: Make and Knead the Dough
Add the flour, salt, and 2 tablespoons of the melted butter right into your yeast mixture. Grab a sturdy spoon or your trusty stand mixer and mix everything until a dough forms. Now comes the fun part: knead the dough for 5 to 7 minutes (either by hand or with your mixer’s dough hook) until it’s ultra smooth and a bit stretchy. This step gives Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels that delightful chewiness that sets them apart.
Step 3: Let it Rise
Tuck your dough ball into a clean bowl and cover it with a towel or plastic wrap. Place it somewhere cozy—maybe on top of your fridge or in a barely-warm oven—and let it rise for 45 to 60 minutes. You want it to double in size, which means the yeast has done its job building tiny air pockets and flavor. The anticipation is real!
Step 4: Shape the Pretzels
Once your dough has puffed up, gently punch it down to release excess air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces, then roll each piece into a long rope about 20 to 22 inches. Shape the ropes into pretzel twists—or feel free to get playful and create hearts, knots, or even letters! Shaping pretzels is part of the fun, so invite some helpers if you have little hands nearby.
Step 5: Baking Soda Bath
Preheat your oven to 450°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Meanwhile, bring 9 cups of water and the baking soda to a rolling boil in a large pot. Using a slotted spatula, dunk each shaped pretzel into the bubbling water for 20 to 30 seconds, one at a time. This age-old trick gives Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels their signature golden crust and a classic pretzel “snap”.
Step 6: Bake to Deep Golden Perfection
Once your pretzels have had their bath, arrange them on your lined baking sheets. Slide them into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until they reach a gorgeous, deep golden brown that screams “eat me now!” Watch them closely for that perfect just-baked finish—every oven is a little different, so peek at the 10-minute mark.
Step 7: Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Finish
While your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are still warm (this part is essential), brush each one generously with the remaining melted butter. Stir together the 1/2 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon, then toss or sprinkle it onto your pretzels so it sticks to every nook and cranny. Warm, buttery, and sparkling with sweet cinnamon sugar—pure homemade happiness.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels
Garnishes
Dress up your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels even further with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of simple cream cheese glaze, or a handful of toasted chopped pecans. For an extra-special touch, serve them with a little side of vanilla icing for dipping—like a dessert and a snack all in one.
Side Dishes
These pretzels pair beautifully with a cozy mug of hot chocolate, chai latte, or even a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re serving them at a brunch or party, balance things out with a fresh fruit salad or an array of savory nibbles like cheese cubes and crisp apple slices. It’s all about that sweet and salty harmony!
Creative Ways to Present
Wow your guests by stacking your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels on a fun tiered stand, threading them onto wooden skewers for a “pretzel pop” effect, or tying each one with a ribbon for an adorable take-home treat. Arrange on a rustic board with dipping sauces and chopped fruit for a festive snack platter. These treats look (and taste!) like something from your favorite neighborhood bakery.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels at their absolute best, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to enjoy them later in the week, they can last a little longer in the fridge—just be sure to wrap them up tightly so they don’t dry out.
Freezing
Freezing Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels is a game changer for busy weeks! Simply let your baked pretzels cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap before popping them into a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months and taste just as amazing once thawed and reheated.
Reheating
For that just-baked flavor, reheat frozen or day-old pretzels in a 300°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. A few minutes in a toaster oven works beautifully, too. You want the outside to be crisp and the inside warm and tender—like a cozy bakery treat, anytime you crave it.
FAQs
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Absolutely! If you only have instant yeast on hand, simply mix it directly with the flour and other dry ingredients. The rise time will be similar, but just keep an eye on the dough as it may puff up a bit faster.
Do I really need the baking soda bath?
Yes—the baking soda bath is what gives Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels their deliciously chewy outside and signature pretzel flavor. Skipping it means you’ll have tasty bread, but not that classic pretzel experience.
Can I make these vegan?
Definitely! Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based version and make sure your sugar is vegan-certified (some sugars are processed with animal byproducts). The pretzels will still come out deliciously soft and full of cinnamon-sugar goodness.
How do I prevent my dough from sticking during shaping?
If your dough feels a little sticky, lightly dust your countertop and hands with flour as you roll and shape each pretzel. This helps keep their iconic twist and makes the process smoother and more fun.
What’s the best way to get even cinnamon sugar coverage?
For maximum coverage, place your warm, buttered pretzels in a large zip-top bag with the cinnamon sugar mix. Gently shake or toss them until every bit is coated. It’s quick, mess-free, and ensures a perfect finish every time.
Final Thoughts
Sweet, soft, and such fun to make, Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels are the kind of treat that brings people together and makes any day special. Whether you share with friends or savor them all for yourself, give this recipe a whirl—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!
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Cinnamon Sugar Soft Pretzels Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 soft pretzels 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of warm, fluffy soft pretzels, coated in a sweet cinnamon sugar blend. These homemade treats are perfect for satisfying your cravings for a delectable snack.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F)
- 1 packet active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Boiling and Coating:
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 9 cups water (for boiling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Knead until smooth. Let rise.
- Boil Pretzels: Preheat oven. Boil water and baking soda. Shape dough into pretzels and boil briefly.
- Bake: Bake pretzels until golden. Brush with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar.
- Serve: Enjoy warm pretzels!
Notes
- You can freeze and reheat baked pretzels. Serve with cream cheese or vanilla glaze for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pretzel
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 670 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
